LIHUE The Kauai County Committee on the Status of Women along with the Zonta Club of Kauai and Zonta Club of Hanalei are working together to encourage the community to make a social statement by wearing jeans as a visible means of protest against misconceptions that surround sexual assault on Denim Day, April 24.
LIHUE — The Kauai County Committee on the Status of Women along with the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i and Zonta Club of Hanalei are working together to encourage the community to make a social statement by wearing jeans as a visible means of protest against misconceptions that surround sexual assault on Denim Day, April 24.
Additionally, Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami will present the National Denim Day Proclamation on Denim Day at the Līhu‘e Civic Center at noon.
In April 1999, a social service agency in Los Angeles established the first Denim Day in the United States, which remains an integral part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Denim Day was originally triggered by a ruling from the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans thereby implying consent. Women of the Italian Parliament protested the decision by wearing jeans to work. This was a visual protest.
Wear denim with a purpose to support survivors, and to educate yourself and others about sexual assault. No matter what, clothing is never an excuse for sexual assault,” said a press release.
The Zonta Club of Kauai and Zonta Club of Hanalei are chapters of Zonta International, a global organization of over 30,000 members in 67 countries, whose mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. All Zonta members believe the best way to improve the lives of women and girls is through advocacy and education.
